Kerber gets win after outlasting Keys

Angelique Kerber reached the semi-finals of Pan Pacific Open on Friday after Madison Keys retired due to injury early in the final set.

Over two hours into a match that had seen the players split two tight sets, Kerber broke to love to lead 2-1 and Keys declared herself unable to continue.

"It was a really good match in the first two sets, and this is never the way that you want to win the match," the German said later.

"I hope Madison will recover really soon so she is ready for the next tournaments."

Keys won the opening two games of the match before Kerber broke back in the seventh game, saving break points herself in service holds either side of her break-back.

In the second set, Kerber was the first to lead as the two players traded a pair of early breaks, but it was the World No. 16 who ultimately came out the victor despite a pair of medical timeouts and a brief rain delay.

"I tried to give everything I could today, and I'm looking forward to playing the next round," said the number four seed.

"I think I like to play in Japan. Always when I'm coming back, I feel good here and I'm playing good tennis."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Simon Barlow has a wealth of journalism experience and in-depth knowledge in a number of sports. As well as his extensive football knowledge, Simon is also well versed on cricket, tennis, American Football and cycling amongst others.

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